Self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool operable with a self-drilling expandable anchor.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 63/031,243, filed May 28, 2020, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to the following commonly owned co-pendingpatent application: U.S. application Ser. No. 17/323,530, entitled“SELF-DRILLING EXPANDABLE ANCHOR AND METHODS OF USE AND INSTALLATIONTHEREOF,”.

BACKGROUND

Various construction and maintenance workers (such as plumbers,electricians, and sprinkler fitters) often have to hang items (such aspipes, conduit, cables, ducts, and lights) from structures (such asceilings, roofs, decking, beams, joists, Z purlins, and trusses).Various known expandable anchors are employed for hanging such itemsfrom such structures. Various known expandable anchor installation toolsare sometimes employed for installing such known expandable anchors insuch structures.

While various proposed expandable anchors have drill tips, such proposedexpandable anchors having drill tips have not been commercialized, andthus various known commercially expandable anchors are notself-drilling. For each expandable anchor that is not self-drilling, asuitable hole in the structure to which that expandable anchor is to beattached must first be drilled out or otherwise suitably formed in thatstructure. This process increases the installation time, decreases easeof use, and increases cost.

Thus, while various known expandable anchors and expandable anchorinstallation tools are often satisfactory for various purposes, there isa continuing need for improved expandable anchors and expandable anchorinstallation tools that are self-drilling, that decrease theinstallation time, that increase the ease of use, that are more costeffective.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide self-drillingexpandable anchors and self-drilling expandable anchor installationtools that are self-drilling, that decrease the installation time, thatincrease the ease of use, and that are more cost effective than variousknown expandable anchors and known expandable anchor installation tools.Various embodiments of the present disclosure also provide methods ofuse and installation of such self-drilling expandable anchors and use ofsuch self-drilling expandable anchor installation tools.

Various embodiments of the self-drilling expandable anchor of thepresent disclosure include an expandable member, a threaded memberconfigured to extend through and from both ends of the expandablemember, a hanger attachable to the first end of the threaded member, adrill head attachable to the second end of the threaded member, and afriction reducing element positionable on the threaded member betweenthe hanger and the expandable member. In certain of these embodiments,the threaded member has a hex head at one end that is connected thehanger, and outer threads at the opposite end that connect the threadedmember to the drill head. In certain of these embodiments, the threadedmember has a threads at one end that connect the threaded member to thehanger, and the opposite end is fixedly connected to the drill head.

For each of these various embodiments, the expandable member, thethreaded member, the hanger, the drill head, and the friction reducingelement of the self-drilling expandable anchor are configured such that:(a) a self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool and a drive toolcan be connected to the hanger; (b) the installation tool and the drivetool can be employed to rotate the hanger, the expandable member, thethreaded member, and the drill head to drill a hole in a structure; (c)the drill head, part of the expandable member, and part of the threadedmember can be inserted through the drilled hole; (d) part of theinstallation tool can be employed to hold a base of the expandablemember stationary while another part of the installation tool can beemployed to rotate the hanger and the threaded member to cause part ofthe expandable member to expand; (e) after the part of the expandablemember expands, the base and the expanded part of the expandable membersecure the self-drilling expandable anchor to the structure; and (f) anitem can be attached to the hanger to hang the item from the structurevia the self-drilling expandable anchor.

Various embodiments of the self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool of the present disclosure include a driver, an expandable memberengagement sleeve movably mounted on the driver, and a handle pivotallyconnected to the expandable member engagement sleeve. The driver, theexpandable member engagement sleeve, and the handle of the installationtool are configured such that: (a) the driver and a drive tool (such asa drill) can be connected to a hanger of a self-drilling expandableanchor (such as described above); (b) the installation tool and thedrive tool can be employed to rotate the hanger, an expandable member, athreaded member, and a drill head of the self-drilling expandable anchorto drill a hole in a structure; (c) the installation tool can beemployed to insert the drill head, part of the expandable member, andpart of the threaded member through the drilled hole; (d) the expandablemember engagement sleeve and the handle can then be employed to engageand hold a base of the expandable member stationary while the driver canbe employed to rotate the hanger and the threaded member to cause partof the expandable member to expand; and (e) after that part of theexpandable member expands such that the base and that expanded part ofthe expandable member secure the self-drilling expandable anchor to thestructure, the installation tool can be detached from the self-drillingexpandable anchor.

In certain such embodiments of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool, the expandable member engagement sleeve is forwardlymovable by the installer into engagement with the base of the expandablemember of the self-drilling expandable anchor to enable the installer tohold the expandable member stationary.

In certain other such embodiments of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool, the self-drilling expandable anchor is positionedinside of the expandable member engagement sleeve, and as theself-drilling expandable anchor moves forwardly past a certain point inthe expandable member engagement sleeve, the base of the expandablemember engages a base engager of the expandable member engagement sleeveof the self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool to enable theinstaller to hold the expandable member stationary.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure willbe apparent from the following detailed disclosure and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a self-drillingexpandable anchor of one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorof FIG. 1 , with a portion broken away.

FIG. 3 is a partially assembled and partially exploded side view of theself-drilling expandable anchor of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a fully assembled side view of the self-drilling expandableanchor of FIG. 1 , with certain portions broken away.

FIG. 5 is an assembled side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorof FIG. 1 , with certain portions broken away, and showing theself-drilling expandable anchor with the expansion tube of the expansionmember in an expanded position.

FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a self-drillingexpandable anchor of another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorof FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a partially assembled and partially exploded side view of theself-drilling expandable anchor of FIG. 6 , with certain portions brokenaway.

FIG. 9 is a fully assembled side view of the self-drilling expandableanchor of FIG. 6 , with a portion broken away.

FIG. 10 is an assembled side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorof FIG. 6 , with a portion broken away, and showing the self-drillingexpandable anchor with the expansion tube of the expansion member in anexpanded position.

FIG. 11 is an assembled bottom perspective view of a self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool of one example embodiment of thepresent disclosure, showing certain parts in phantom.

FIG. 12 is an assembled top perspective view of the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool of FIG. 11 , showing certain partsin phantom.

FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 14 is an assembled side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 11 , showing certain parts in phantom.

FIG. 15 is a front end view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 11 , taken substantially along line 16-16 ofFIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is an assembled bottom perspective view of a self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool of another example embodiment of thepresent disclosure, showing certain parts in phantom.

FIG. 18 is an assembled top perspective view of the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool of FIG. 17 , showing certain partsin phantom.

FIG. 19 is an bottom perspective view of the base engager of theself-drilling expandable anchor installation tool of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 20 is an exploded side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 21 is a side view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 22 is a front end view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of FIG. 17 , taken substantially along line 23-23 ofFIG. 22 .

FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and 24E are a series of partialcross-sectional and partial perspective views showing the method of useand installation of the self-drilling expandable anchor of FIG. 1 into astructure using the self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool ofFIG. 11 .

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, and 25E are a series of partialcross-sectional and partial perspective views showing the method of useand installation of the self-drilling anchor assembly of FIG. 1 into astructure using the self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool ofFIG. 17 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodiedin various forms, the drawings show and the specification describescertain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of thecomponents shown in the drawings and described in the specification maybe required, and certain implementations may include additional,different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and typeof the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components;and the manners of connections of the components may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwiseindicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect theorientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings anddo not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms thatrefer to mounting methods, such as mounted, connected, etc., are notintended to be limited to direct mounting methods but should beinterpreted broadly to include indirect and operably mounted, connected,and like mounting methods. This specification is intended to be taken asa whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D,24E, 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, and 25E illustrate one example embodiment of aself-drilling expandable anchor of the present disclosure, which isgenerally indicated by numeral 100. This illustrated exampleself-drilling expandable anchor 100 includes: (1) an expandable member110; (2) a threaded member 130 configured to extend through and fromboth ends of the expandable member 110; (3) a hanger 150 attachable tothe first or lower end of the threaded member 130; (4) a drill head 170attachable to the second or upper end of the threaded member 130; and(5) a friction reducing element 190 positionable on the threaded member130 between the hanger 150 and the expandable member 110. Generally, theexpandable member 110, the threaded member 130, the hanger 150, thedrill head 170, and the friction reducing element 190 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 are configured such that: (a) aself-drilling expandable anchor installation tool (such as installationtool 500 or installation tool 600 described below) and a drive tool(such as a drill) can be connected to the hanger 150; (b) theinstallation tool and the drive tool can be employed to rotate thehanger 150, the expandable member 110, the threaded member 130, and thedrill head 170 to drill a hole in a structure; (c) the drill head 170,part of the expandable member 110, and part of the threaded member 130can be inserted through the drilled hole; (d) part of the installationtool can be employed to hold a base 112 of the expandable member 110stationary while another part of the installation tool can be employedto rotate the hanger 150 and the threaded member 130 to cause part ofthe expandable member 110 to expand; (e) after the part of theexpandable member 110 expands, the base 112 and the expanded part of theexpandable member 110 secure the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 tothe structure; and (f) an item can be attached to the hanger 150 to hangthe item from the structure via the self-drilling expandable anchor 100.

More specifically, the expandable member 110 includes: (a) a base 112;and (b) an expandable tube 120 integrally (such as monolithically)connected to and extending from a front surface 113 of the base 112. Thebase 112 has one or more larger outer dimensions than the expandabletube 120. In this illustrated example, the base 112 has a larger outerwidth and a larger outer length then that of the expandable tube 120. Inthis illustrated example embodiment, the base 112 is generally squareand the expandable tube 120 is generally cylindrical; although it shouldbe appreciated that this may vary in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In this illustrated example embodiment, the base 112 and theexpandable tube 110 are integrally connected (such as monolithicallyformed together); although it should be appreciated that this may varyin accordance with the present disclosure. In various embodiments, theexpandable member 110 is made from a suitable metal (such as steel);although it should be appreciated that the expandable member can be madefrom other suitable materials.

The base 112 has the front surface 113, a back surface 114, and fourside edges 115, 116, 117, and 118. Each respective side edge 115, 116,117, and 118 includes two opposing top and bottom inwardly beveledsurfaces and an outer surface (not labeled); although this may vary inaccordance with the present disclosure. The base 110 has an innercylindrical surface 119 that defines a cylindrical inner passageway 119a that extends through the base 112 from the back surface 114 to thefront surface 113. This inner passageway 119 a is aligned with an innerpassageway 124 a that extends though the expandable tube 120, and thusthe entire expandable member 110 defines an inner passageway. In thisillustrated example embodiment, the inner cylindrical surface 119 is notthreaded. It should be appreciated that although the base is shown asgenerally square, the base can be any suitable shape (such as anrectangular, octagon, hexagon, or oval) as long as the base has enoughpurchase area to engage the structure (such as shown in FIGS. 24E and25E) and can be held stationary by the self-drilling anchor assemblyinstallation tool (such as shown in FIGS. 24C, 24D, 25C, and 25D) and asfurther described below.

The expandable tube 120 includes a first or front portion 121, a secondor back portion 122, an outer surface 123, and an inner surface 124. Theinner surface 124 of the expandable tube 120 defines the innerpassageway 124 a. At least part of the inner surface 124 of the frontportion 121 is threaded (i.e., includes or defines inner threads 125).In this illustrated example embodiment, the rest of the inner surface124 of the cylindrical expandable tube 120 does not include innerthreads, and particularly the back portion 122 does not include innerthreads. The cylindrical expandable tube 120 and primarily the backportion 122 defines a series of longitudinally extending spaced apartslots 126 a, 126 b, 126 c (not shown), and 126 d (not shown) around theexpandable tube 120. The slots 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, and 126 d facilitatethe longitudinal collapse and expansion of the back portion 122cylindrical tube 120 as shown in FIGS. 5, 24D, 24E, 25D, and 25E, and asfurther described below. The cylindrical expandable tube 120 and theseries of longitudinally extending spaced apart slots 126 a, 126 b, 126c, and 126 d facilitate the forming of outwardly extending anchoringstrips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d (not shown) when the back portion122 of the expandable tube 120 is longitudinally collapsed and expandedas shown in FIGS. 5, 24D, 24E, 25D, and 25E. The back portion 122 of theexpandable tube 120 is formed with a slight outward bulge 129 tofacilitate the collapse and expansion of anchoring strips 128 a, 128 b,128 c, and 128 d. It should be appreciated that the inner threads 125 ofthe front portion 121 of the expandable tube 120 enable engagement bythe outer threads 142 a of the threaded member 130 to facilitate thecollapse and expansion of the anchoring strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and128 d, as further described below. In various embodiments, the innerthreads 125 are configured to be engaged by the outer threads 142 a onthe front end of the threaded member 130 such that a few turns of thethreaded member 130 causes the collapsing and expansion of the outwardlyextending anchoring strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d. It should beappreciated that although the expandable tube is shown as cylindrical,the expandable tube can be any suitable shape (such as an octagon,hexagon, square, or oval) as long as the expandable tube will fitthrough the hole drilled in the support and collapse and expand in asuitable manner.

The threaded member 130 is configured to extend through and from bothends of the expandable member 110. The threaded member 130 includes ahex head 132 and a shaft 140 integrally (such as monolithically)connected to and extending from a front surface 133 of the hex head 132.The hex head 132 has the front surface 133, a back surface 134, and sixengagable side edges (not labeled). It should be appreciated that thehead 130 can be otherwise configured such as with a different shapeand/or a different quantity of sides or side edges in accordance withthe present disclosure. The shaft 140 has a first section 141 that doesnot have outer threads and a second section 142 that has outer threads142 a. The outer threads 142 a are configured to engage the innerthreads 125 of the front section 121 of the expandable tube 120. Incertain embodiments, the outer threads 142 a are configured to engagethe inner threads 184 of the connector 180 of the drill head 170, asfurther described below. In other embodiments, the drill head 170 isotherwise suitably fixedly connected to the second end of the shaft 140of the threaded member 130, as further described below.

The hanger 150 that is attachable to the threaded member 130 includes(a) a threaded member connector 152, and (b) a hanger base 160integrally (such as monolithically) connected to and extending from thethreaded member connector 152. In various embodiments, the hanger 150 ismade from a suitable metal (such as steel); although it should beappreciated that the hanger can be made from other suitable materials.

The threaded member connector 152 is configured to securely receive andhold the hex head 132 of the threaded member 130 such that rotation ofthe hanger 150 causes rotation of the threaded member 130. Morespecifically, the threaded member connector 152 includes a wall 153having an outer cylindrical surface (not labeled) and an innercylindrical surface 154 that defines a stepped hole and that isconfigured to receive and mate with the edges of the hex head 132 of thethreaded member 130 in a press fit manner. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and5 , after the hex head 132 is press fit into the wall 153 of thethreaded member connector 152, the upper portion of the wall 153 of thethreaded member connector 152 is crimped inwardly to form somewhat of afront ring 155 configured to be engaged by the cylindrical front surface133 of the hex head 132 of the threaded member 130. After such crimping,the front ring 155 includes an inner surface (not shown) that defines apassageway (not shown) through which the shaft 140 of the threadedmember 130 extends. This passageway has a smaller diameter than theouter diameter of the hex head 132. The front ring 155 thus assists inkeeping the threaded member 132 in place in the threaded memberconnector 152. The hanger 150 thus enables the hex head 132 to enterinto the threaded member connector 152 and be securely held in thethreaded member connector 152.

The hanger base 160 includes a wall 161 having an outer hexagonalsurface (not labeled) configured to be engaged by a driver of aninstallation tool as further described below, a front portion (notlabeled) connected to the threaded member connector 152, a back portion(not labeled) also configured to be engaged by a driver of aninstallation tool as further described below, and an inner surface 165including or defining inner threads 166 configured to receive a threadedmember or rod (not shown) that can be used to hang objects from theanchor assembly 100. It should be appreciated that the hanger base 160may include or define one or more other features that enable other itemsto be hung from the hanger 150. For example, the hanger base 160 maydefine one or more transversely extending openings that enable a memberto be inserted through that opening for hanging an item in a differentmanner.

The drill head 170 that is attachable to the threaded member 130includes: (a) a connector 180; and (b) a drill tip 185 integrally (suchas monolithically) connected to and extending from the connector 180. Invarious embodiments, the drill head 170 is forged, machined, or milledfrom a suitable metal (such as steel); although it should be appreciatedthat the drill head can be made from other suitable materials and inother suitable manners.

The drill head 170 has a slightly larger outer diameter than the outerdiameter of the expandable tube 120 of the expandable member 110 suchthat the drill head 170 can drill a hole in a structure to enable theexpandable tube 120 to fit though the drilled hole in the structure asshown in FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 25A, 25B, and 25C, and as furtherdescribed below. The drill head 170 has a substantially smaller outerdiameter than the base 112 of the expandable member 110 such that thebase 112 cannot fit through the hole drilled in the structure by thedrill head 170 and such that the base 112 can substantially engage anouter surface of the structure as shown in FIGS. 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E,25B, 25C, 25D, and 25E, and as further described below. In otherembodiments, the drill tip can include alternatively arranged cuttingsurfaces such as a hole saw cutting surface arrangement.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the connector 180 includes apartially cylindrical outer surface 181, a back surface 182, and aninner surface 183 including or defining inner threads 184 configured toreceive and engage the outer threads 142 a of the shaft 140 of thethreaded member 130 for providing a secure connection between the drillhead 170 and the shaft 140. The connector 180 includes one or more outersurfaces or edges (not labeled) that enable the connector 180 to form ahole in the structure. Likewise, the drill tip 185 includes one or moresurfaces or edges (not labeled) that enable the drill tip 185 to form ahole in the structure. The drill head 170 may include one or more flutes(not labeled) for directing loose material from the structure during thedrilling process. The connector and the drill tip may be configured inany suitable manner and may vary based on the type of structure. Inother example embodiments of the present disclosure embodiment, theconnector 180 is fixedly directly connected to the shaft 140 of thethreaded member 130 such as by friction welding, spot welding, chemicalbonding, or another suitable method. In such embodiments, the connector180 does not need to include the inner threads 184. In certain suchembodiments, the connector 180 and the shaft 140 have suitableconfigurations or mating surfaces for facilitating such secure fixedconnection.

The friction reducing element 190 is positionable on the threaded member130 between the hanger 150 and the expandable member 110. The frictionreducing element 190 includes a cylindrical ring (such as a washer) withan inner surface 194 that defines a cylindrical passageway (notlabeled). The cylindrical passageway is suitably sized such that theshaft 140 (including the threads) of the threaded member 130 can beinserted through the friction reducing element 190 after insertionthrough the hanger 150 and before insertion into the expandable member110. In various embodiments, the friction reducing element 190 includesa plastic washer (such as a nylon washer); although it should beappreciated that the friction reducing element can be made from othersuitable materials. The friction reducing element 190 reduces frictionbetween the base 112 and the hanger 150. It should also be appreciatedthat the friction reducing element can additionally or alternativelyinclude a friction reducing coatings on one or more of the base and thehanger.

This illustrated example self-drilling expandable anchor 100 isgenerally assembled by inserting the head 132 of the threaded member 130into the hanger 150, and after the crimping described above, insertingthe shaft 140 through the friction reducing element 190, and thenthrough the expandable member 110 as shown in FIG. 3 . The drill head170 is then securely attached to the front end of the threaded member130, and particularly the connector 180 is attached to the outer threads142 a in this illustrated example embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 , orotherwise suitably fixedly connected to the connector 180 of the drillhead 170.

Once assembled, rotation of the hanger 150 will cause rotation of thethreaded member 130, rotation of the threaded member 130 will causerotation of the expandable member 110 (if the base 112 of the expandablemember is not held stationary), rotation of the threaded member 130 willcause rotation of the drill head 170, and rotation of the threadedmember 130 while the base 112 of the expandable member is heldstationary will cause the section 120 of the expandable member 110 tocollapse and expand as shown in FIGS. 5, 24D, and 25D. The functioningand operation of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 is furtherdiscussed below.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 , another example embodimentof a self-drilling expandable anchor of the present disclosure, which isgenerally indicated by numeral 200, is illustrated. This illustratedexample self-drilling expandable anchor 200 includes: (1) an expandablemember 210; (2) a threaded member 230 configured to extend through andfrom both ends of the expandable member 210; (3) a hanger 250 attachableto the first or lower end of the threaded member 230; (4) a drill head270 attached or attachable to the second or upper end of the threadedmember 230; and (5) a friction reducing element 290 positionable on thethreaded member 230 between the hanger 250 and the expandable member210.

While threaded member 230, the hanger 250, and the drill head 270 ofthis illustrated example self-drilling expandable anchor 200 aredifferent than the threaded member 130, the hanger 150, and the drillhead 170 of the illustrated example self-drilling expandable anchor 100,this illustrated example self-drilling expandable anchor 200 generallyfunctions for use and installation is a similar manner as theillustrated example self-drilling expandable anchor 100. Generally, theexpandable member 210, the threaded member 230, the hanger 250, thedrill head 270, and the friction reducing element 290 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 200 are configured such that: (a) aself-drilling expandable anchor installation tool (such as installationtool 500 or installation tool 600 described below) and a drive tool(such as a drill) can be connected to the hanger 250; (b) theinstallation tool and the drive tool can be employed to rotate thehanger 250, the expandable member 210, the threaded member 230, and thedrill head 270 to drill a hole in a structure; (c) the drill head 270,part of the expandable member 210, and part of the threaded member 230can be inserted through the drilled hole; (d) part of the installationtool can be employed to hold a base 212 of the expandable member 210stationary while another part of the installation tool can be employedto rotate the hanger 250 and the threaded member 230 to cause part ofthe expandable member 210 to expand; (e) after the part of theexpandable member 210 expands, the base 212 and the expanded part of theexpandable member 210 secure the self-drilling expandable anchor 200 tothe structure; and (f) an item can be attached to the hanger 250 to hangthe item from the structure via the self-drilling expandable anchor 200.

The expandable member 210 is similar or identical to the expandablemember 110. More specifically, the expandable member 210 includes: (a) abase 212; and (b) an expandable tube 220 integrally (such asmonolithically) connected to and extending from a front surface 213 ofthe base 212. The base 212 has one or more larger outer dimensions thanthe expandable tube 220. In this illustrated example, the base 212 has alarger outer width and a larger outer length then that of the expandabletube 220. In this illustrated example embodiment, the base 212 isgenerally square and the expandable tube 220 is generally cylindrical;although it should be appreciated that this may vary in accordance withthe present disclosure. In this illustrated example embodiment, the base212 and the expandable tube 210 are integrally attached (such asmonolithically formed together); although it should be appreciated thatthis may vary in accordance with the present disclosure. In variousembodiments, the expandable member is made from a suitable metal (suchas steel); although it should be appreciated that the expandable membercan be made from other suitable materials.

The base 210 has the front surface 213, a back surface 214, and fourside edges 215, 216, 217, and 218. Each respective side edge 215, 216,217, and 218 includes two top and bottom opposing inwardly beveledsurfaces and an outer surface (not labeled); although this may vary inaccordance with the present disclosure. The base 210 has an innercylindrical surface 219 that defines a cylindrical inner passageway 219a that extends through the base 212 from the back surface 214 to thefront surface 213. This inner passageway 219 a is aligned with an innerpassageway (not labeled) that extends though the expandable tube 220,and thus the entire expandable member 210 defines an inner passageway.In this illustrated example embodiment, the inner cylindrical surface219 does not have threads. It should be appreciated that although thebase is shown as generally square, the base can be any suitable shape(such as an rectangular, octagon, hexagon, or oval) as long as the basehas enough purchase area to engage the respective structure and can beheld stationary by the respective self-drilling anchor assemblyinstallation tool.

The expandable tube 220 includes a first or front section 221, a secondor back section 222, an outer surface 223, and an inner surface 224. Theinner surface 224 of the expandable tube 220 defines an inner passageway(not labeled). Part of the inner surface 224 at the front section 221has inner threads 225. In this illustrated example embodiment, the restof the inner surface 224 of the expandable tube 220 does not havethreads. The back section 222 of the expandable tube 220 defines aseries of longitudinally extending spaced apart slots 226 a, 226 b, 226c (not shown), and 226 d (not shown) around the expandable tube 220. Theslots 226 a, 226 b, 226 c, and 226 d facilitate the longitudinalcollapse and expansion of the back section 222 of the tube expandable220 as shown in FIG. 10 . The expandable tube 220 and the series oflongitudinally extending spaced apart slots 226 a, 226 b, 226 c, and 226d facilitate the forming of the outwardly extending anchoring strips 228a, 228 b, 228 c, and 228 d (not shown) when the back section 222 of theexpandable tube 220 is longitudinally collapsed and expanded as shown inFIG. 10 . The expandable tube 220 is formed with a slight outward bulge229 to facilitate the collapse and expansion of anchoring strips 228 a,228 b, 228 c, and 228 d. It should be appreciated that the inner threads225 of the expandable tube 220 enable engagement by the threaded member230 to facilitate the collapse and expansion of the anchoring strips 228a, 228 b, 228 c, and 228 d. It should be appreciated that although theexpandable tube is shown as cylindrical, the expandable tube can be anysuitable shape (such as an octagon, hexagon, square, or oval) as long asthe expandable tube will fit through the hole drilled in the support andcollapse.

The threaded member 230 is different than threaded member 130. Thisthreaded member 230 does not include a hex head like hex head 132. Thisthreaded member 230 is also configured to be inserted into the first orfront end of the expandable member 210 for assembly (instead of thesecond or back end of the expandable member 210). The threaded member230 includes a partially threaded shaft 240. The shaft 240 has a firstsection 241 that does not have outer threads, a second section 242 thathas outer threads 242 a, and a third section 243 that has outer threads243 a. The second section 242 is integrally (such as monolithically)connected to and extends from a first or front end of the first section241. The third section 243 is integrally (such as monolithically)connected to and extends from a second or back end of the first section241. The outer threads 242 a are configured to engage the inner threads225 of the expandable tube 220. The outer threads 243 a are configuredto engage the inner threads of the threaded member connector 252 of thehanger 250, as further described below.

The hanger 250 that is attachable to the threaded member 230 includes:(a) a threaded member connector 252, and (b) a hanger base 260integrally (such as monolithically) connected to and extending from thethreaded member head connector 252. In various embodiments, the hanger250 is made from a suitable metal (such as steel); although it should beappreciated that the hanger can be made from other suitable materials.

The threaded member connector 252 is shaped and is configured tosecurely receive the third section 243 of the threaded member 230 suchthat rotation of the hanger 250 causes rotation of the threaded member230. More specifically, the threaded member connector 252 includes awall 253 that has an outer cylindrical surface (not labeled) and aninner surface 254 that includes or defines inner threads 254 aconfigured to threadably receive and mate with the threads 243 a of thethird section 243 of the threaded member 230, and a front ring 255. Thefront ring 255 includes an inner cylindrical surface (not shown) anddefines a cylindrical passageway (not shown) through which the thirdsection 243 of the shaft 240 of the threaded member 230 can be insertedafter insertion of the shaft 240 through the expandable member 210. Itshould be appreciated that the threaded member 230 can be suitablyconnected to the threaded member connector 252 in other suitable mannersin accordance with the present disclosure.

The hanger base 260 includes a wall 261 having an outer hexagonalsurface (not labeled) configured to be engaged by a driver of a suitableinstallation tool, a front portion (not labeled) connected to thethreaded member connector 252, a back surface 264, and an inner surface265 including or defining inner threads 266 configured to receive andmate with a threaded member or rod (not shown) that can be used to hangobjects from the anchor assembly 200. It should be appreciated that thehanger base 260 may include or define one or more other features thatenable other items to be hung from the hanger 250. For example, thehanger base 260 may define one or more transversely extending openingsthat enable a member to be inserted through that opening for hanging anitem in a different manner.

The drill head 270 that is fixably attachable to the threaded member 230includes: (a) a connector 280; and (b) a drill tip 285 integrally (suchas monolithically) connected to and extending from the connector 280. Invarious embodiments, the drill head 270 is forged from a suitable metal(such as steel); although it should be appreciated that the drill headcan be made from other suitable materials and in other suitable manners.

The drill head 270 has a slightly larger outer diameter than theexpandable tube 220 of the expandable member 210 such that the drillhead 270 can drill a hole in a structure to enable the expandable tube220 to fit though the drilled hole in that structure. The drill head 270has a substantially smaller outer diameter than the base 212 of theexpandable member 210 such that the base 212 cannot fit through thedrilled hole in the structure and such that it will substantially engagean outer surface of that structure. In other embodiments, the drill tipcan include alternatively arranged cutting surfaces such as a hole sawcutting surface arrangement.

The connector 280 is configured to be securely directly connected to thefront end of the shaft 240 of the threaded member 230. In thisillustrated example embodiment, the connector 280 and the shaft 240 ofthe threaded member 230 are monolithically formed as one component. Inother example embodiments, the shaft 240 is friction welded, spotwelded, chemically bonded, or otherwise fixedly connected to the frontend of the shaft 240 of the threaded member 230 to form the secureconnection between the drill head 270 and the shaft 240. In otherexample embodiments, the connector 280 may include inner threadsconfigured to receive and engage the outer threads 242 a of the shaft240 of the threaded member 230 for providing a secure connection betweenthe drill head 270 and the shaft 240.

The connector 280 includes one or more outer surfaces or edges (notlabeled) that enable the connector 280 to form a hole in the structure.Likewise, the drill tip 285 includes one or more surfaces or edges (notlabeled) that enable the drill tip 285 to form a hole in the structure.The connector and the drill tip may include one or more flutes (notlabeled) for directing loose material from the structure during thedrilling process. The connector and the drill tip may be configured inany suitable manner and may vary based on the type of structure.

The friction reducing element 290 that is positionable on the threadedmember 230 between the hanger 250 and the expandable member 210. Thefriction reducing element 290 includes a cylindrical ring (such as awasher) with an inner surface 294 that defines a cylindrical passageway294 a. The cylindrical passageway 294 a is suitably sized such that theshaft 240 (including the threads thereon) of the threaded member 230 canbe inserted through the friction reducing element 290 after insertionthrough the expandable member 210. In various embodiments, the frictionreducing element 290 includes a plastic washer (such as a nylon washer);although it should be appreciated that the friction reducing element canbe made from other suitable materials. The friction reducing element 290reduces friction between the base 212 and the hanger 250. It should alsobe appreciated that the friction reducing element can additionally oralternatively include a friction reducing coatings on one or more of thebase and the hanger.

This illustrated example self-drilling expandable anchor 200 isgenerally assembled by inserting the threaded member 230 through thefirst or front end of the expandable member 210 and then through thefriction reducing element 290 as shown in FIG. 8 . The back end of thethreaded member 210 is then threadably attached to the threaded memberconnector 252 of the hanger 250 as shown in FIG. 9 .

Once assembled, rotation of the hanger 250 will cause rotation of thethreaded member 230, rotation of the threaded member 230 will causerotation of the expandable member 210 (if the base 212 of the expandablemember is not held stationary), rotation of the threaded member 230 willcause rotation of the drill head 270, and rotation of the threadedmember 230 while the base 212 of the expandable member is heldstationary will cause the section 220 of the expandable member 210 tocollapse and expand as shown in FIG. 10 . Thus, after assembly, thefunctioning and operation of the self-drilling expandable anchor 210 issubstantially the same as the functioning and operation of theself-drilling expandable anchor assembly 110 and is thus not furtherdiscussed herein for brevity.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 14, 16, 24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D,an example embodiment of a self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool of the present disclosure, which is generally indicated by numeral500, is illustrated. This illustrated example self-drilling expandableanchor installation tool 500 includes: (1) a driver 510; (2) anexpandable member engagement sleeve 540 movably mounted on the driver510; and (3) a handle 560 pivotally connected to the expandable memberengagement sleeve 540. The self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool 500 is described herein with respect to the engagement with and theinstallation of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 for brevity;however, it should be appreciated that the self-drilling expandableanchor installation tool 500 can be employed for engagement with and theinstallation of the self-drilling expandable anchor 200, or forengagement with and the installation of another suitable self-drillingexpandable anchor in accordance with the present disclosure.

Generally, the driver 510, the expandable member engagement sleeve 540,and the handle 560 of the installation tool 500 are configured suchthat: (a) the driver 510 and a drive tool (such as a drill) can beconnected to the hanger 150 of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100;(b) the installation tool 500 and the drive tool can be employed torotate the hanger 150, the expandable member 110, the threaded member130, and the drill head 170 of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100to drill a hole in a structure; (c) the installation tool 500 can beemployed to insert the drill head 170, part of the expandable member110, and part of the threaded member 130 through the drilled hole; (d)the expandable member engagement sleeve 540 and the handle 560 can thenbe employed to engage and hold the base 112 of the expandable member 110stationary while the driver 510 can be employed to rotate the hanger 150and the threaded member 130 to cause part of the expandable member 110to expand; and (e) after that part of the expandable member 110 expandssuch that the base 112 and that expanded part of the expandable member110 secure the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 to the structure, theinstallation tool 500 can be detached from the self-drilling expandableanchor 100.

More specifically, the driver 510 is configured to engage and turn thethreaded member 130 of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 and thusturn the drill head 170 as further described below. The driver 510includes: (a) a hanger base socket 512; (b) a sleeve pivot pin receiver520 integrally (such as monolithically) connected to and extending fromthe hanger base socket 512; and (c) a drive tool engager 530 integrally(such as monolithically) connected to and extending from the sleevepivot pin receiver 520. In various embodiments, the driver 510 is madefrom a suitable metal (such as steel); although it should be appreciatedthat the driver 510 can be made from other suitable materials.

The hanger base socket 512 includes a wall 513 having a cylindricalouter surface 513 a and a hexagonal inner surface 513 b configured toreceive and mate with the hanger base 160 of the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100 such that rotation of the driver 510 including thehanger base socket 512 causes rotation of the threaded member 160 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100. It should be appreciated that theinner surface 513 b and the hanger base 160 can have co-actingalternatively configured or shaped surfaces (such as but not limited toa twelve point socket configuration).

The sleeve pivot pin receiver 520 includes: (1) a first section 521including a generally cylindrical solid member 522 having a cylindricalouter surface 522 a; and (2) a second section 523 including a generallycylindrical solid member 524 having a cylindrical outer surface 524 a.The first section 521 has a smaller outer diameter than the secondsection 523 and a smaller outer diameter than that of the hanger basesocket 512 such that the first section 521, the second section 523, andthe hanger base socket 512 define a pivot pin receipt area 528surrounding the first section 521. The pivot pin receipt area 528enables the pivot pins 568 a and 568 b (described below) to movelongitudinally in the pivot pin receipt area 528 between the hanger basesocket 512 and the second section 523 so that the expandable memberengagement sleeve 540 and the handle 560 are longitudinally movablerelative to the driver 510. The pivot pin receipt area 528 also enablesthe pivot pins 568 a and 568 b to move radially about the first section521 in the pivot pin receipt area 528 between the hanger base socket 512and the second section 523 so that the expandable member engagementsleeve 540 and the handle 560 are radially movable relative to andaround the driver 510.

The drive tool engager 530 has a solid body including a first section531, a second section 532 integrally (such as monolithically) connectedto and extending from first section 531, a third section 533 integrally(such as monolithically) connected to and extending from second section532, and a fourth section 534 integrally (such as monolithically)connected to and extending from the third section 533. One or more ofthese sections are configured to mate with a drive tool (such as a drill90 partially shown in FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D)or an extension (not shown) connected to a drive tool (such as a drill)in a conventional manner, as further described below, to cause the drivetool engager 530 to rotate.

The expandable member engagement sleeve 540 includes a wall 541 having agenerally cylindrical outer surface 541 a and a stepped inner surface541 b with two different inner diameters. The expandable memberengagement sleeve 540 and the inner surface 541 b has a first sectionthat defines a first inner diameter and a first interior passageway (notlabeled) that is larger than: (1) the outer diameter of each part of thedriver 510 including the hanger base socket 512; and (2) the outerdimensions of the base 112 of the expandable member 110 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100. The expandable member engagementsleeve 540 and the inner surface 541 b has a second section that definesa small second inner diameter and a second interior passageway (notlabeled) that is smaller than: (1) the outer diameter of each part ofthe hanger base socket 512; and (2) the outer dimensions of the base 112of the expandable member 110 of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100.This configuration provides an interior section of the expandable memberengagement sleeve 540 that is positioned in the pivot pin receipt area528 to limit the longitudinal movement of sleeve 540 relative to thedriver 510.

The expandable member engagement sleeve 540 and the wall 541 have afront end 544 and a back end 546. The expandable member engagementsleeve 540 and particularly the front end 544 of the wall 541 definesfour interior base receiving pockets 548 a, 548 b, 548 c, and 548 d thatare configured to respectively receive and hold the four corners of thebase 112 of the expandable member 110 of the self-drilling expandableanchor 100 when the expandable member engagement sleeve 540 is movedforward on and relative to the driver 510 into engagement with the base112. It should be appreciated that these co-acting configured or shapedsurfaces can be alternatively formed (such as but not limited to a sixor eight point configuration). Specifically this engagement with thecorners of the base 112 of the expandable member 110 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 occurs when the expandable memberengagement sleeve 540 is moved forward (by the installer) on andrelative to the driver 510 into engagement with the base 112 to hold thebase stationary, as shown in FIGS. 24C and 24D. The engagement of theexpandable member engagement sleeve 540 with the base 112 of theexpandable member 110 of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 enablesthe expandable member engagement sleeve 540 to hold the base 112 inplace without spinning after the expandable member 110 is insertedpartially through the structure 50 and the installer desires to collapseand expand the strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d of the expandabletube 120, as further described below. In this illustrated exampleembodiment, each of the interior base receiving pockets 548 a, 548 b,548 c, and 548 d is defined by three walls (not labeled) that are formedin the cylindrical wall 541 of the expandable member engagement sleeve540. These three walls (e.g., the bottom wall and two side walls) thatdefine each pocket are sized to engage the rear surface 114 or arespective one of the side edges 115, 116, 117, and 118 of therespective corner of the base 112.

The expandable member engagement sleeve 540 and specifically the wall541 also defines two opposing pivot pin openings 550 a and 550 b nearthe back end 546 of the expandable member engagement sleeve 540 forrespectively receiving the pivot pins 568 a and 568 b.

The handle 560 includes: (a) a first arm 562 a; (b) a second arm 562 b;(c) a shoulder 570 integrally (such as monolithically) connected to thefirst arm 562 a and integrally (such as monolithically) connected to thesecond arm 562 b, and integrally (such as monolithically) connecting thefirst arm 562 a to the second arm 562 b; (d) a first driver engagementpivot pin 568 a integrally (such as monolithically) connected to thefirst arm 562 a; and (e) a second driver engagement pivot pin 568 bintegrally (such as monolithically) connected to the second arm 562 b.The first arm 562 a and the second arm 562 b are mirror images of eachother in this example embodiment. The first arm 562 a and the second arm562 b are spaced apart from each other. The first arm 562 a and thesecond arm 562 b are configured to fit over the back end of the drivetool engager 530 and over the expandable member engagement sleeve 540.Specifically, the first arm 562 a includes a first hand 563 a and thesecond arm 562 b includes a second hand 563 b that is spaced apart fromthe first hand 563 a. The first driver engagement pivot pin 568 a isintegrally (such as monolithically) connected to the first hand 563 a ofthe first arm 562 a and extends inwardly from the first hand 563 a ofthe first arm 562 a. The second driver engagement pivot pin 568 b isintegrally (such as monolithically) connected to the second hand 563 bof the second arm 562 b and extends inwardly from the second hand 563 bof the second arm 562 b. The inner end of the first driver engagementpivot pin 568 a extends through the opening 550 a in the sleeve 540,into the pivot pin receipt area 528, and engages the outer surface 522 aof the cylindrical wall 522 of the sleeve pivot pin receiver 520, asbest shown in FIG. 14 . The inner end of the second driver engagementpivot pin 568 b extends through the opening 550 b in the sleeve 540,into the pivot pin receipt area 528, and engages the outer surface 522 aof the cylindrical wall 522 of the sleeve pivot pin receiver 520, asbest shown in FIG. 14 . The handle 560 is pivotally connected to theexpandable member engagement sleeve 540 via the first driver engagementpivot pin 568 a and the second driver engagement pivot pin 568 b.

The sleeve 540, the pivot pin openings 550 a and 550 b in the sleeve540, the arms 562 a and 562 b of the handle 560, and the pivot pins 568a and 568 b are configured to facilitate: (1) rotation of the handle 560about the pivot pins 568 a and 568 b relative to the expandable memberengagement sleeve 540 and the driver 510; (2) longitudinal movement ofthe handle 560 and the pivot pins 568 a and 568 b with the expandablemember engagement sleeve 540 relative to the driver 510; and (3) radialmovement of the handle 560 and the pivot pins 568 a and 568 b with theexpandable member engagement sleeve 540 relative to the driver 510.These movements enable: (1) the sleeve 540 to be pulled or positionedrearwardly relative to the driver 510 when the driver 510 is attached tothe threaded member 160 to drill the hole in the structure; and (2) thesleeve 540 pushed forwardly and rotated to the appropriate positionrelative to the base 112 for alignment with and engagement with the base112 regardless of the rotated position of the base 112, and thus toattach the sleeve 540 to the base 112 while the driver 510 is attachedto the threaded member 160 to collapse and expand the second section 122of the expandable tube 120 of the expandable member 110, as furtherdescribed below.

The functioning and operation of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool 500 is further described below with respect to FIGS.24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and 24E.

Referring now to FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25A, 25B, 25C, and25D, another example embodiment of a self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of the present disclosure, which is generallyindicated by numeral 600, is illustrated. This illustrated exampleself-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 600 includes: (1) adriver 610; (2) an expandable member engagement sleeve 640 movablymounted on the driver 610; and (3) a handle 660 pivotally connected tothe expandable member engagement sleeve 640. The self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool 600 is described herein with respectto the engagement with and the installation of the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100 for brevity; however, it should be appreciatedthat the self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 600 can beemployed for engagement with and the installation of the self-drillingexpandable anchor 200, or for engagement with and the installation ofanother suitable self-drilling expandable anchor in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the self-drilling expandableanchor installation tool 600 is configured such that the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100 is positionable inside of the expandable memberengagement sleeve 640 as shown in 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D. In thisillustrated example embodiment, as the self-drilling expandable anchor100 moves forwardly in and past a certain point in the expandable memberengagement sleeve 640, the base 112 of the expandable member 110self-aligns and self-engages a base engager 643 of the expandable memberengagement sleeve 640 of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool 600 to enable the installer to hold the base 112 andthe expandable member 100 stationary, as further described below. Inthis illustrated example embodiment, the driver 610, the expandablemember engagement sleeve 640, and the handle 660 of the installationtool 600 are thus configured such that: (a) the driver 610 and a drivetool (such as a drill) can be connected to the hanger 150 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 that is positioned in the expandablemember engagement sleeve 640; (b) the installation tool 600 and thedrive tool can be employed to rotate the hanger 150, the expandablemember 110, the threaded member 130, and the drill head 170 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 to drill a hole in a structure; (c)the installation tool 600 can be employed to insert the drill head 170,part of the expandable member 110, and part of the threaded member 130through the drilled hole; (d) the expandable member engagement sleeve640 and the handle 660 can then be employed by the installer to hold thebase 112 of the expandable member 110 stationary while the driver 610can be employed to rotate the hanger 150 and the threaded member 130 tocause part of the expandable member 110 to expand; and (e) after thatpart of the expandable member 110 expands such that the base 112 andthat expanded part of the expandable member 110 secure the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100 to the structure, the installation tool 600 can bedetached from the self-drilling expandable anchor 100.

More specifically, the driver 610 is configured to engage and turn thehanger 150 to turn the threaded member 130 of the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100 and thus turn the drill head 170 as furtherdescribed below. The driver 610 includes: (a) a hanger base socket 612;(b) an extension 620 integrally (such as monolithically) connected toand extending from the hanger base socket 612; and (c) a drive toolengager 630 integrally (such as monolithically) connected to andextending from the extension 620. In various embodiments, the driver 610is made from a suitable metal (such as steel); although it should beappreciated that the driver 610 can be made from other suitablematerials.

The hanger base socket 612 includes a wall 613 having a cylindricalouter surface 613 a and a hexagonal inner surface 613 b configured toreceive and mate with the hanger base 160 of the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100 such that rotation of the driver 610 including thehanger base socket 612 causes rotation of the threaded member 160 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100.

The extension 620 includes a first section 621 including a generallycylindrical solid member 622 including a cylindrical outer surface 622a. The first section 621 has a smaller outer diameter than that of thehanger base socket 612, although this component can be otherwisesuitably formed. The extension 620 is not engaged by the pivot pins 668a and 668 b (described below) in this example embodiment and does notlimit the longitudinal movement of the pivot pins 668 a and 668 b or theexpandable member engagement sleeve 640 relative to the hanger basesocket 612.

The drive tool engager 630 has a solid body including a first section631, a second section 632 integrally (such as monolithically) connectedto and extending from first section 631, a third section 633 integrally(such as monolithically) connected to and extending from second section632, and a fourth section 634 integrally (such as monolithically)connected to and extending from the third section 633. One or more ofthese sections are configured to mate with a drive tool (such as a drill90 partially shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D) or an extension (notshown) connected to a drive tool (such as a drill) in a conventionalmanner, as further described below, to cause the drive tool engager 630to rotate.

The expandable member engagement sleeve 640 includes a sleeve 641 and anbase engager 643. The sleeve 641 has a front end 644 and a back end 646.The sleeve 641 includes a stepped wall having an outer surface 641 a andan inner surface 641 b. The sleeve 641 and the inner surface 641 b havea first section having an inner diameter and an interior passageway (notlabeled) that is larger than: (1) the outer diameter of each part of thedriver 610 including the hanger base socket 612; and (2) the outerdimensions of the base 112 of the expandable member 110 of theself-drilling expandable anchor 100. The sleeve 641 and the innersurface 641 b have a second section at the back end 646 of the sleeve641 that has an inner diameter and an interior passageway (not labeled)that is smaller than the outer diameter of the hanger base socket 612.In this illustrated example embodiment, the inwardly extending lip atthe back end of the sleeve 641 is configured to engage the back surfaceof the socket 612 to limit the movement of the sleeve 641 relative tothe driver 610.

The sleeve 641 and particularly the front end 644 of the cylindricalwall of the sleeve 641 is configured to securely receive the baseengager 643. The base engager 643 defines four interior base receivingpockets 648 a, 648 b, 648 c, and 648 d that are configured torespectively receive the four corners of the base 112 of the expandablemember 110 of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 when theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 is moved forward in the sleeve 641past a point in the sleeve 641 such that the base 112 is moved intoengagement with the base engager 643, and specifically when the cornersof the base 112 of the expandable member 110 of the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100 are moved forward by the driver 510 intoengagement with the base engager 643, as shown in FIGS. 25C and 25D. Theengagement of the expandable member engager 643 and the base 112 of theexpandable member 110 of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 enablesthe expandable member engagement sleeve 640 to hold the base 112 inplace without spinning after the expandable member 110 is insertedpartially through the structure 50 and the installer desires to collapseand expand the strips of the expandable tube, as further describedbelow.

In this illustrated example embodiment, each of the interior basereceiving pockets 648 a, 648 b, 648 c, and 648 d is defined by multiplewalls (not labeled) of base engager 643. These walls (e.g., the bottomand side walls) that define each pocket are sized to engage the rearsurface 114 and a respective one of the side edges 115, 116, 117, and118 of the respective corner of the base 112. These walls are alsoconfigured such that the base 112 is self-aligning in the base engager643. More specifically, these walls are configured to first startreceiving the base 112 and allowing the base 112 to continue to rotate acertain amount for alignment purposes in the base engager 643. Afterbeing aligned, the base engager 643 prevents the rotation of the base112.

The base engager 643 includes four spaced apart legs 647 a, 647 b, 647c, and 647 d that provide part of these walls and that facilitate theconnection of base engager 643 to the sleeve 641. Leg 647 a is shownhaving an inner cylindrical surface 649 that defines an inner fastenerreceiving passageway 649 a that enables a fastener (not shown) to beemployed to securely connect the base engager 643 to the sleeve 641. Thefastener connects to the wall of the sleeve 641. While one leg of thebase engager 643 is shown having this fastener receiving passageway,more than one of the legs of the base engager 643 may have such fastenerreceiving passageways. It should also be appreciated that other suitableattachment mechanisms may be employed to attach the base engager 643 tothe sleeve 641 in accordance with the present disclosure.

The sleeve 641 also defines two opposing pivot pin openings 650 a and650 b near the back end 546 of the sleeve 641.

The handle 660 includes: (a) a first arm 662 a; (b) a second arm 662 b;(c) a shoulder 670 integrally (such as monolithically) connected to thefirst arm 662 a and integrally (such as monolithically) connected to thesecond arm 662 b, and integrally (such as monolithically) connecting thefirst arm 662 a to the second arm 662 b; (d) a first driver engagementpivot pin 668 a integrally (such as monolithically) connected to thefirst arm 662 a; and (e) a second driver engagement pivot pin 668 bintegrally (such as monolithically) connected to the second arm 662 b.The first arm 662 a and the second arm 662 b are mirror images of eachother in this example embodiment. The first arm 662 a and the second arm662 b are spaced apart from each other. The first arm 662 a and thesecond arm 662 b are configured to fit over the back end of the drivetool engager 630 and over the sleeve 641. Specifically, the first arm662 a includes a first hand 663 a and the second arm 662 b includes asecond hand 663 b that is spaced apart from the first hand 663 a. Thefirst driver engagement pivot pin 668 a is integrally (such asmonolithically) connected to the first hand 663 a of the first arm 662 aand extends inwardly from the first hand 663 a of the first arm 662 a.The second driver engagement pivot pin 668 b is integrally (such asmonolithically) connected to the second hand 663 b of the second arm 662b and extends inwardly from the second hand 663 b of the second arm 662b. The handle 660 is pivotally connected to the expandable memberengagement sleeve 641 via the first driver engagement pivot pin 668 aand the second driver engagement pivot pin 668 b.

The sleeve 641 and the handle 660 are configured to facilitate: (1)rotation of the handle 660 about the pivot pins 668 a and 668 b relativeto the sleeve 641, the base engager 643, and the driver 610; (2)longitudinal movement of the handle 660, the sleeve 641, and the baseengager 643 relative to the driver 610; and (3) radial movement of thehandle 660, the sleeve 641, and the base engager 643 relative to thedriver 610. This configuration enables the movement of the self-drillinganchor assembly 100 and the driver 610 in the sleeve 641 and relative tothe base engager 643.

The functioning and operation of the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool 600 is further described below with respect to FIGS.25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, and 25E.

Turning now to FIGS. 24A to 24E, one example method of use andinstallation of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 into a structure50 using a driving tool such as a drill 90 and using the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool 500 is generally shown. It should beappreciated that this example method can also be employed to install theself-drilling expandable anchor 200 into a structure.

FIG. 24A shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positioned belowthe structure 50, the self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool500 positioned below the structure 50 and attached to the self-drillingexpandable anchor 100, and the drill 90 attached to the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool 500. At this point in theinstallation process: (1) the driver 510 of the installation tool 500 isengaging the hanger base 161 of the hanger 150; and (2) the drill 90 isengaging the driver 510 of the installation tool 500. The drill 90 andinstallation tool 500 are used to cause the drill head 170 to engage theouter surface of the support 50. The drill 90 is used to rotate thedriver 510, which causes the expandable anchor 100 including the drillhead 170 to rotate. This causes a drilled hole to be formed in thesupport 50. During this part of the installation process, the sleeve 540is not engaging the base 112 of the expandable member 110 to hold thebase 112 stationary, and thus the entire expandable anchor 100 rotates.

FIG. 24B shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through the drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by thedrill head 170 of self-drilling expandable anchor 100, the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool 500 positioned below the structure50 and attached to the self-drilling expandable anchor 100, and thedrill 90 attached to the self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool 500. At this point in the installation process: (1) the driver 510of the installation tool 500 is still engaging the hanger base 161 ofthe hanger 150; (2) the drill 90 is still engaging the driver 510 of theinstallation tool 500; and (3) the base 112 of the expandable member 110is engaging the outer surface of the support 50. At this point in theinstallation process, the sleeve 540 is not yet engaging the base 112 ofthe expandable member 110 to hold the base 112 stationary.

FIG. 24C shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through a drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by theself-drilling expandable anchor 100, the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool 500 positioned below the structure 50 and attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor 100, and the drill 90 attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 500. At this pointin the installation process: (1) the driver 510 of the installation tool500 is still engaging the hanger base 161 of the hanger 150; (2) thedrill 90 is still engaging the driver 510 of the installation tool 500;and (3) the base 112 of the expandable member 110 is engaging the outersurface of the support 50. At this point, since the sleeve 540 isradially movable about the driver 510, the installer can position thesleeve 540 such that it is suitably aligned with the base 112 of theexpandable member 110 such that the corners of the base 112 can bereceived in the pockets 548 a, 548 b, 548 c, and 548 d of the sleeve540. After this alignment, the installer can move the sleeve 540 forward(e.g., upward in this example) such that the sleeve 540 engages the base112 of the expandable member 110 to hold the base 112 and the entireexpandable member 110 stationary. At this point, the installer can holdthe handle 560 to prevent rotation of the sleeve 540 and thus to preventrotation of the base 112 and the entire expandable member 110.

FIG. 24D shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through a drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by theself-drilling expandable anchor 100, the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool 500 positioned below the structure 50 and attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor 100, and the drill 90 attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 500. At this pointin the installation process: (1) the driver 510 of the installation tool500 is still engaging the hanger base 161 of the hanger 150; (2) thedrill 90 is still engaging the driver 510 of the installation tool 500;and (3) the base 112 of the expandable member 110 is engaging the outersurface of the support. At this point, the sleeve 540 is stillpositioned such that the corners of the base 112 are in the pockets 548a, 548 b, 548 c, and 548 d of the sleeve 540, the installer has held thehandle 560 to prevent rotation of the sleeve 540 and thus to preventrotation of the base 112 and the entire expandable member 110, and theinstaller has caused the drill 90 to further rotate the driver 510 whichin turn has rotated the threaded member 150 such that the engagement ofthe outer threads and the section 120 of the expandable member 110 havecaused the section 122 of the expandable member 110 to partiallycollapse and to expand. It should be appreciated that the amount ofexpansion can vary and that the expanded strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and128 d may be in more of an engagement with the inner surface of thesupport 50 as shown in FIG. 24E.

FIG. 24E shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through a drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 and attached to the structure 50. Atthis point in the installation process: (1) the drill 90 and theinstallation tool 500 have been disconnected from the expandable anchor100; and (2) the expandable anchor 100 is connected to the support. Itshould be appreciated that the amount of expansion can vary and that theexpanded strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d are in full engagementwith the inner surface of the support 50. At this point, a threadedmember or rod (not shown) can be connected to the hanger 50. It shouldbe appreciated that strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d will not fitthrough the drilled hole in the support 50 and will provide a suitablepull out strength strong enough to support items attached to the hanger150.

Turning now to FIGS. 25A to 24E, one example method of use andinstallation of the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 into a structure50 using a driving tool such as a drill 90 and using the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool 600 is generally shown. It should beappreciated that this example method can also be employed to install theself-drilling expandable anchor 200 into a structure.

FIG. 25A shows the self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 600positioned below the structure 50, the self-drilling expandable anchor100 positioned inside of the expandable member engagement sleeve 640 ofthe self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 600, and theself-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 600 attached to theself-drilling expandable anchor 100. It should be appreciated that theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 is positioned inside of theexpandable member engagement sleeve 640 of the self-drilling expandableanchor installation tool 600 prior to positioning the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool 600 adjacent to the structure 50. Atthis point in the installation process: (1) the driver 610 of theinstallation tool 600 is engaging the hanger base 161 of the hanger 150;and (2) the drill 90 is engaging the driver 610 of the installation tool600. The drill 90 and installation tool 600 are then used to cause thedrill head 170 to engage the outer surface of the support 50. The drill90 is then used to rotate the driver 610, which causes the expandableanchor 100 including the drill head 170 to rotate. This causes drilledhole to be formed in the support 50. At this point in the installationprocess, the base engager 643 of the sleeve 640 is not engaging the base112 to hold the base 112 stationary, and thus the entire expandableanchor 100 rotates inside of the expandable member engagement sleeve640.

FIG. 25B shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through the drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by thedrill head 170 of self-drilling expandable anchor 100, the self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool 600 positioned below the structure50 and attached to the self-drilling expandable anchor 100, and thedrill 90 attached to the self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool 600. At this point in the installation process: (1) the driver 610of the installation tool 600 is still engaging the hanger base 161 ofthe hanger 150; (2) the drill 90 is still engaging the driver 610 of theinstallation tool 600; and (3) the base 112 of the expandable member 110is not yet engaging the outer surface of the support. At this point inthe process, the base engager 643 of the sleeve 640 is not yet engagingthe base 112 to hold the base 112 stationary (i.e., the base 112 has notmoved into the base engager 643 yet).

FIG. 25C shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through a drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by theself-drilling expandable anchor 100, the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool 600 positioned below the structure 50 and attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor 100, and the drill 90 attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 600. At this pointin the installation process: (1) the driver 610 of the installation tool600 is still engaging the hanger base 161 of the hanger 150; (2) thedrill 90 is still engaging the driver 610 of the installation tool 600;and (3) the base 112 of the expandable member 110 is engaging the outersurface of the support 50. At this point, the base 112 has also movedforwardly (e.g., upwardly in this example) such that the corners of thebase 112 are received in the pockets 648 a, 648 b, 648 c, and 648 d ofthe base engager 643 of the expandable member engagement sleeve 640.After this alignment and engagement, the installer can hold the handle660 to prevent rotation of the expandable member engagement sleeve 640and thus to prevent rotation of the base 112 of the expandable member110.

FIG. 25D shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through a drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by theself-drilling expandable anchor 100, the self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool 600 positioned below the structure 50 and attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor 100, and the drill 90 attached tothe self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool 600. At this pointin the installation process: (1) the driver 510 of the installation tool500 is still engaging the hanger base 161 of the hanger 150; (2) thedrill 90 is still engaging the driver 610 of the installation tool 600;and (3) the base 112 of the expandable member 110 is engaging the outersurface of the support. At this point, the base 112 of the expandablemember 110 is positioned such that the corners of the base 112 are inthe pockets 648 a, 648 b, 648 c, and 648 d of the base engager 643 ofthe expandable member engagement sleeve 640, the installer has held thehandle 660 to prevent rotation of the sleeve 640 and thus to preventrotation of the base 112 and the entire expandable member 110, and theinstaller has caused the drill 90 to rotate the driver 610 which in turnhas rotated the threaded member 150 such that the engagement of theouter threads 142 a of the section 142 of the threaded member 130 withthe inner threads 125 of the section 120 of the expandable member 110have caused the section 122 of the expandable member 110 to partiallycollapse and to expand. It should be appreciated that the amount ofexpansion can vary and that the expanded strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and128 d may be in more of an engagement with the inner surface of thesupport 50 as shown in FIG. 25E.

FIG. 25E shows the self-drilling expandable anchor 100 positionedpartially through a drilled hole formed in the structure 50 by theself-drilling expandable anchor 100 and attached to the structure 50. Atthis point in the installation process: (1) the drill 90 and theinstallation tool 600 have been disconnected from the expandable anchor100; and (2) the expandable anchor 100 is connected to the support. Itshould be appreciated that the amount of expansion can vary and that theexpanded strips 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d are in full engagementwith the inner surface of the support 50. At this point, a threadedmember or rod (not shown) can be connected to the hanger 50. The stripswill not fit through the drilled hole and will provide a pull outstrength strong enough to support items attached to the hanger 150.

It should be appreciated that the installation tools of the presentdisclosure such as example installation tools 500 and 600 can beemployed to install expandable anchor assemblies that are notself-drilling such as but not limited to the commercially availableexpandable anchors sold by the assignee of this disclosure under thetrademark SAMMYS X-PRESS.

It should be appreciated that the installation tools of the presentdisclosure such as example installation tools 500 and 600 can beemployed to install expandable anchor assemblies or self-drillingexpandable anchors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,821 which isincorporated herein by reference.

In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the drill head maybe secured to the threaded member or the expandable member of theself-drilling expandable anchor in other suitable manners. In certainsuch alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the drill headmay be press fit into the expandable member of the self-drillingexpandable anchor. In certain such alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the drill head may integrally connected to theexpandable member of the self-drilling expandable anchor.

In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the drill head iseliminated from the self-drilling expandable anchor. In certain suchalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the front end of theexpandable member of the self-drilling expandable anchor is formed as ahole saw or as another suitable cutting device.

In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the drill head iseliminated from the self-drilling expandable anchor. In certain suchalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the front end of thethreaded member is formed as a hole saw or as another suitable cuttingdevice.

Various changes and modifications to the present embodiments describedherein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes andmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present subject matter and without diminishing its intendedadvantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modificationsbe covered by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool for a self-drilling expandable anchor including adrill head, a threaded member, a hanger, and an expandable memberincluding a base and an expandable tube connected to and extending fromthe base, said self-drilling expandable anchor installation toolcomprising: a driver including a socket configured to engage the hanger,a pivot pin receiver connected to and extending from the socket, and adrive tool engager connected to and extending from the pivot pinreceiver, wherein the pivot pin receiver includes a first section havinga first outer diameter, and a second section having a second outerdiameter that is greater than the first outer diameter, wherein thesocket, the first section of the pivot pin receiver, and the secondsection of the pivot pin receiver define a pivot pin receipt area; anexpandable member engagement sleeve movably mounted on the driver, theexpandable member engagement sleeve including a first end and defininginterior base receiving pockets configured to receive corners of thebase of the expandable member, the expandable member engagement sleeveincluding a second end defining a first pivot pin opening and a secondpivot pin opening; and a handle including a first arm and a second armconnected to the first arm, a first pivot pin connected to and extendinginwardly from the first arm, through the first pivot pin opening, out ofthe first pivot pin opening, and into the pivot pin receipt area, asecond pivot pin connected to and extending inwardly from the secondarm, through the second pivot pin opening, out of the second pivot pinopening, and into the pivot pin receipt area, such that the handle ispivotally connected to the expandable member engagement sleeve by thefirst pivot pin and the second pivot pin, such that the expandablemember engagement sleeve and the handle are longitudinally moveablerelative to the driver, and such that the expandable member engagementsleeve and the handle are radially movable around the driver.
 2. Theself-drilling expandable anchor installation tool of claim 1, whereineach of the interior base receiving pockets is defined by three walls ofthe first end of the expandable member engagement sleeve.
 3. Theself-drilling expandable anchor installation tool of claim 1, whereinthe expandable member engagement sleeve is movable to any one of aplurality of first positions where the expandable member engagementsleeve is not engaging the base and is not holding the base stationary.4. The self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool of claim 3,wherein without the base being held stationary by the expandable memberengagement sleeve, the driver is configured to cause rotation of thehanger, rotation of the threaded member, rotation of the expandablemember, and rotation of the drill head.
 5. The self-drilling expandableanchor installation tool of claim 4, wherein the expandable memberengagement sleeve is movable to any one of a plurality of secondpositions where the expandable member engagement sleeve is engaging thebase and can hold the base stationary.
 6. The self-drilling expandableanchor installation tool of claim 5, wherein with the base being heldstationary by the expandable member engagement sleeve, the driver isconfigured to cause rotation of the hanger, cause rotation of thethreaded member, not cause rotation of the expandable member, and causeexpansion of the expandable tube.
 7. A self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool for a self-drilling expandable anchor including adrill head, a threaded member, a hanger, and an expandable memberincluding a base and an expandable tube connected to and extending fromthe base, said self-drilling expandable anchor installation toolcomprising: a driver including a socket configured to engage the hangerand a drive tool engager connected to the socket; an expandable memberengagement sleeve movably mounted on the driver, the expandable memberengagement sleeve including a sleeve and a base engager connected to afirst end the sleeve, the sleeve sized and configured such that thedrill head, the threaded member, the hanger, and the expandable memberof the self-drilling expandable anchor are all positionable in thesleeve prior to installation of the self-drilling expandable anchor, andwherein the base engager defines interior base receiving pockets sizedand configured to receive corners of the base of the expandable member;and a handle including a first arm and a second arm connected to thefirst arm, the first arm and the second arm pivotally connecting thehandle to the expandable member engagement sleeve.
 8. The self-drillingexpandable anchor installation tool of claim 7, wherein each of theinterior base receiving pockets is defined by a plurality of walls ofthe base engager.
 9. The self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool of claim 7, wherein interior base receiving pockets are configuredto receive two opposite corners of the base of the expandable member.10. The self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool of claim 7,wherein interior base receiving pockets included four base receivingpockets configured to receive two corners of the base of the expandablemember.
 11. The self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool ofclaim 7, wherein interior base receiving pockets included four basereceiving pockets configured to receive four two corners of the base ofthe expandable member.
 12. The self-drilling expandable anchorinstallation tool of claim 7, wherein the expandable member engagementsleeve is configured such that the base does not engage the base engagerat a first plurality of different positions in the expandable memberengagement sleeve.
 13. The self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool of claim 12, wherein the expandable member engagement sleeve isconfigured such that the base can engage the base engager at any one ofa second plurality of different positions in the expandable memberengagement sleeve.
 14. The self-drilling expandable anchor installationtool of claim 13, wherein without the base being held stationary by thebase engager of the expandable member engagement sleeve, the driver isconfigured to cause rotation of the hanger, rotation of the threadedmember, rotation of the expandable member, and rotation of the drillhead.
 15. The self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool of claim14, wherein with the base being held stationary by the base engager ofthe expandable member engagement sleeve, the driver is configured tocause rotation of the hanger, cause rotation of the threaded member, notcause rotation of the expandable member, and cause expansion of theexpandable tube.